Title: Quantifying forest fragmentation spatial process in the developing State of Selangor,

peninsular Malaysia

Abstract: Forest fragmentation has several phases, thus the ecological significance of each
phase during a particular period of time must be interpreted (PROBLEM STATEMENT). To
interpret, this study developed a method to quantify the magnitude of forest loss and the
changes in the temporal pattern of fragmentation (OBJECTIVE) in the State of Selangor,
peninsular Malaysia (STUDY SITE). Using the decision tree model of land transformation,
four phases of forest fragmentation were identified: dissection, dissipation, shrinkage and
attrition (METHOD). This analysis showed that the magnitude of forest loss was the highest
during the dissipation phase. The patchiness analysis showed that dissipation contributes to
the highest environmental uncertainty found for the forest patches (RESULTS). This study
can be considered a first step in the exploration of the properties and the behavioural pattern
shown by the spatial process of forest fragmentation (IMPLICATION/CONCLUSION).

Keywords: conservation planning; landscape fragmentation; land transformation; land use;

Malaysia; tropical forest
REVIEW PAPER

Title: Regional Index of Ecological Integrity: A need for sustainable management of natural
resources

Abstract: An ecosystem is a complex composition of physical, chemical and biological

components. This complex system remains in a healthy state if the system can maintain the
ecological equilibrium among its components (INTRODUCTION). Anthropogenic
disturbances are the prime stressors that affect this equilibrium through creating
fragmentation, ecosystem sensitivity, loosening landscape connectivity and disrupting
ecological integrity. As different types of ecosystem are interconnected, a comprehensive
monitoring and evaluating criteria is needed for measuring its integrity at regional level for
conservation planning (PROBLEM STATEMENT/ISSUE). A Regional Index of Ecological
Integrity can be a suitable approach for sustainable management of regional ecosystem
(ARGUMENT/OPINION). Therefore, this paper presents (i) the characteristics of ecological
integrity, (ii) the spatial processes induced by anthropogenic stressors and (iii) an approach to
develop a composite Regional Index of Ecological Integrity (RIEI) (HIGHLIGHTS). The
prime objective is to establish a thought and a way to develop a composite index of
ecological integrity at the regional level (OBJECTIVE). Here, we demonstrate different
compositional, structural and functional indicators/indices related to fragmentation,
representativeness of protected area, ecosystem sensitivity, and landscape connectivity for the
development of a Regional Index of Ecological Integrity (RIEI) (OUTPUT).
Title: Integrating GIS and expert judgement in a multi-criteria analysis to map and develop a
habitat suitability index: A case study of large mammals on the Malayan peninsula

Abstract: Many habitat patches in tropical landscapes have become less suitable for wildlife
due to an increase in anthropogenic disturbances. An index of habitat suitability based on the
ecological factors that collectively determine the suitability of an organism's habitat is
important for conservation planning. However, a widely accepted and comprehensive multi-
criteria habitat suitability index for umbrella species is still lacking, particularly in areas
where information related to the biology and ecology of the species of interest is not
available. (PROBLEM STATEMENT) Due to the insufficient information, therefore, here we
develop a preliminary habitat maps and measure the degree of habitat suitability for large
mammals, focusing on four umbrella species (OBJECTIVE) in the State of Selangor,
Peninsular Malaysia (STUDY AREA/CASE STUDY/MODEL): Panthera tigris jacksoni
(Malayan tiger), Tapirus indicus (Malayan tapir), Helarctos malayanus malayanus (Malayan
sun bear), and Rusa unicolor cambojensis (sambar deer). The former two are endangered and
the latter two are vulnerable according to the IUCN Red List.(SUBJECT OF STUDY) The
suitability of habitat patches for each species was measured across the entire study area as
well as in nine wildlife protected areas by integrating GIS data and expert opinion. Expert
opinions were used as the source of information regarding the stresses faced by the species
because there was insufficient information available from ground surveys. We developed an
index and map of habitat suitability for each species, which were then integrated to represent
a combined index (ranging from 0 to 27) and spatially explicit map of the area's habitat
suitability for large mammals.(METHOD) The average large mammal habitat suitability
index value of the State of Selangor (9) indicates that many habitat patches have become
unsuitable for such species. Of the nine wildlife protected areas, Fraser's Hill (22), Sungai
Dusun (22), and Bukit Kutu (21) are very suitable; Klang Gate (20) and Templers Park (17)
are suitable; and the remaining four are unsuitable for large mammals. (MAIN FINDINGS)
We assume that this preliminary habitat suitability index and mapping are useful for
conservation planning of wildlife habitats at both landscape and regional scales, as well as
sets a foundation from which further research needs to revise them until such time as
significant new information is available. (IMPLICATION/CONCLUSION)